Stories of Formby and it's surrounding area.

April 16, 2012

Public Are Asked To Be Vigilant

The public are asked to be vigilant after theft of hospital vehicle containing contaminated surgical instruments

At around 6pm on Thursday 12 April a van belonging to Southport and Ormskirk NHS Trust was stolen from outside a property on Folkstone Road, Southport. The van contained a number of used, contaminated surgical instruments which were being transported to Southport hospital for sterilisation and could potentially pose a health risk if moved or handled.

The instruments were stored inside a large trolley. If any of this equipment is found please do not touch. It should be reported immediately to the local authority or the police for removal.

The van also contained a small number of patient and staff documents which were being transferred between sites in line with Trust procedures. The documents included GP referral letters and five sets of patient case notes. We have contacted all those patients affected.

“We are asking the public to be vigilant while this equipment is missing. “The missing equipment contains instruments used for surgery earlier in the day. Anyone who suspects they have seen the equipment should report it immediately. For their own safety, they should not attempt to handle it. “The Health Protection Agency has been notified and we are working closely them.”